B-N Woman Faces Murder Charge In Child's Death

A 41-year-old Normal woman was charged Wednesday with murder for allegedly kicking an 8-year-old and causing fatal injuries earlier this year.

Cynthia Baker.

Credit Normal Police Department

Cynthia M. Baker, also known as Cynthia M. Clay, is charged with murder, aggravated battery of a child, and aggravated domestic battery. Authorities said Baker kicked the child in the abdomen, causing massive internal injuries. The child died Jan. 26 after being transported to a Peoria hospital, police said.

The child was not identified. Authorities said the child was Baker's "family or household member." They lived in the 400 block of Stanhope Lane in Normal.

A grand jury indicted Baker on Wednesday. She was arrested later in the day. She's now being held at the McLean County jail.

People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.